The coasts of the UK and Ireland are beautiful and wild – and there to be explored. Coastal walking is a very safe activity most of the time, but slips and falls from walking and running are the biggest cause of death on our coastlines, further information here. This Winter, XTRATUF will be sharing the RNLI’s vital safety messaging and promoting their advice to ensure everyone can enjoy the coast safely.
In 2023, for RNLI lifeguards the second highest number of incidents were to people walking, behind swimming which was first. The number of walking incidents they dealt with were 1,860, highlighting the significant risks faced by individuals along the coast even while on foot.
How to stay safe:
- Be wary of all edges around the sea and waterside. Slips and falls happen in all
locations; it is not just high cliff edges that are a risk. - Always let someone know where you are going and when you expect to be back.
- Take care when walking in dark and slippery conditions.
- Always take a means of calling for help.
- Always check the weather and tides. Getting cut off by the tide is a common cause of
lifeboat launches. Look here for further info. - If you see someone in trouble to call 999 and ask for the Coastguard Understanding ‘Float to Live’ – The RNLI’s ‘Float to Live’ campaign is a crucial message for anyone heading to the coast. If you unexpectedly find yourself struggling in the water, your first instinct might be to swim hard. However, cold water shock can cause you to gasp uncontrollably, increasing the risk of inhaling water and drowning. Instead, the RNLI advises that you should Float to Live.
Steps to Float to Live
Tilt your head back with your ears submerged.
Relax and try to breathe normally.
Move your hands gently to help you stay afloat.
Spread your arms and legs to improve stability.
It’s OK if your legs sink – everyone floats differently.
Once your breathing is under control, call for help or swim to safety. Remember these steps, share them with loved ones, and make sure everyone knows how to float if they encounter difficulties in the water. More information can be found here.
Lee Fisher, RNLI Lifeguard Experience Manager, said: “The coastline around the UK and Ireland is a wonderful place to explore, even in the winter months, coastal walking is a very popular activity for many.
“We would encourage everyone to follow the RNLI’s water safety advice so they can enjoy their visit to the coast safely. Whether you are planning to enter the water or not, knowing what to do in an emergency could save your life.
“We are grateful to Xtratuf for their support spreading awareness of our advice to help us reach as many people as possible.”
You can find further information here.
XTRATUF’s Commitment: In celebration of the RNLI’s 200th anniversary, XTRATUF recognises the dedication of the RNLI’s 1,600 lifeguards with a gift of the Après Fish slider. This special edition, lightweight slider is made completely of BIO LITE, a low-compression, high-performance EVA foam that delivers superior impact absorption and support. The sliders are designed exclusively in the RNLI’s iconic yellow and red colour palette. In addition, XTRATUF will be donating £1 per pair of their lifestyle range of products sold to the RNLI as well as sharing vital water safety messages with their customers, advising them to visit a lifeguarded beach if they’re heading to the coast, and providing information on what to do if they are in difficulty in or around the water.
Find your nearest at https://rnli.org/find-my-nearest/lifeguarded-beaches.
-ENDS-
Key facts about the RNLI
The RNLI charity saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland coasts. The RNLI operates over 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and, in a normal year, more than 240 lifeguard units on beaches around the UK and Channel Islands. The RNLI is independent of Coastguard and government and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service. Since the RNLI was founded in 1824, its lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved more than 146,000 lives.
About XTRATUF
XTRATUF is built for the most epic conditions across the globe. It’s built for a community of passionate water lovers everywhere who want the best footwear and gear to keep them dry, comfortable and sure footed, no matter what they face. XTRATUF enables and empowers us all to keep going, to keep working, to keep doing. ALASKA PROVEN. BUILT FOR ALL. It is a division of Rocky Brands, a publicly traded company on NASDAQ® under the symbol: RCKY.
For further information please visit www.xtratuf.co.uk.
